FitBit adds random extra steps

[Skyhiker]

Two screenshots below.  The first is a typical day with approximately correct step count.

The second screenshot is for today.  I went for a long hike and noticed when I got home it just exceeded 30,000 steps.  I took the watch off while showering and then put it back on.  I noticed that the step count had jumped up to 33,000-plus.  Then I looked at the step profile (shown below) and each time interval has exactly the same number of steps.  This is clearly a data error of some sort.  This has happened a few times before.  What causes this?  Can it be fixed?  Is this a known SW bug?

[Gr4ndp4]

Hi @Skyhiker, welcome to the community, you may be interested in this article How accurate are Fitbit devices? and this third-party article How to make your fitness tracker count steps more accurately - The Verge (it's not just Fitbit)

Also, make sure you do not have Mobile track engaged.

I have a theory that phantom steps recorded while your device is off your wrist may be caused by how the device is lying. If it is on its back on a reflective surface the sensor may be catching reflections of the LED. I recommend putting it face down.

I hope this helps.

Cheers

[Skyhiker]

Thanks for the links and suggestions.  I've read through them, but none explain how the step values for each time interval got to be exactly the same.  I would have to be a robot walking on a perfectly flat surface to achieve that consistency!  Methinks there's a gremlin in my FitBit.

[Gr4ndp4]

Hi, @Skyhiker I would suggest you try restarting your device, clear the cache in your mobile phone & restart the phone as well.

Let us know how you get on.

Cheers